Vegetable Biriyani
Biriyani is a South Asian rice dish featuring a mix of spices, rice, and vegetables or meat. This nutritious vegetarian version works well as either a main or side dish. If you have the time, make it the night before to allow the ingredients to meld for even more flavor.
Makes
Serving size
Ingredients
1 cup basmati rice
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter, divided
½ teaspoon curry powder
½ teaspoon cumin seeds
½ teaspoon coriander seeds
1¾ cups water plus ⅔ cup water, divided
½ sweet onion, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground coriander
½ teaspoon ground cardamom
½ teaspoon ground cumin
¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
2 cups cauliflower florets
1 cup green beans, cut into 2-inch segments
1 carrot, diced
¼ cup cilantro leaves, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- In a small bowl, rinse the rice until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium stockpot over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the curry powder, cumin seeds, and coriander seeds, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the rice to the pot along with 1¾ cups of water. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 12 minutes. Turn off the heat and let steam, covered, for 10 minutes.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the onion, and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, until tender. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute. Add the coriander, cardamom, cumin, and turmeric to the skillet, and stirring constantly, toast until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the cauliflower, beans, and carrots, stirring to coat, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the remaining ⅔ cup of water to the pan, cover, and cook for 7 to 10 minutes, until the vegetables are just fork-tender.
- Add the rice to the vegetables, and stir to blend. Serve topped with cilantro leaves.
Cooking Tip
For extra protein, try adding 8 ounces of diced chicken in Step 3 with the onion, and proceed as directed.
To make this recipe vegan, simply use olive oil instead of butter.
Follow this ‘Hot Curry Powder‘ recipe to make your own curry powder at home!
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